Revision on One Side - Breasts Now Uneven

I underwent breast augmentation last year. My left breast settled into a beautiful position right away, but the right remained much higher/firmer for 7+ months. 3 weeks ago, my surgeon performed a pocket revision/capsulectomy on the right side. Now that side appears lower, fuller, and softer. I just saw my surgeon and he attributed it to swelling. Could this all be due to swelling, or is it a permanent difference due to removing the scar tissue? Will this even out over time? Thank you!

Doctor Answers 4

3 weeks after Capsulectomy

July 7th, 2011

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You are only 3 weeks out from revisionary surgery so I would suggest that you give yourself time to heal and for the swelling to subside, the implant to settle, etc.. I would ask that you follow closely with your surgeon so that he/she can keep an eye on your recovery. Generally, I ask patients to allow for 3-6 months for implants to settle, etc.

3 weeks after capsulectomy

July 6th, 2011

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You look good for this point of recovery. Work closely with your doctor and expect that a new capsule will form around the implant over about 8 weeks. Hopefully not a contracted one this time though your risk is higher because of having one before. If you were my patient I would have you in a properly fit underwire bra 24/7/3months in order to try to prevent the released side from slipping too low. But your doctor may prefer another plan..

Uneven After Capsulectomy

July 6th, 2011

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After undergoing a breast capsulectomy for contracture, I would give it three months for everything to settle, swelling to go down, etc. Alot of changes can occur after going in and releasing/removing scar tissue. Sometimes this can make the implant sit lower that the other side, but at this point, I would give yourself time to heal and let everything seal up internally. From the photograph you attached, things look good, but there is a difference between the two sides currently. Just be patient right now and be happy with the positive fact that the breast is soft. I suspect that when it is all said and done, your symmetry will be good. If not, then at the three month mark, I would then address it with your surgeon. I hope this helps.

Breast Implant Revision Pictures

Good early result

August 11th, 2011

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Hello,

For this stage, you look pretty good although pre-operative images would tell us how much better. Contracture can recur so I would follow your surgeon's advice on aftercare to minimize this. How much similarity you can expect varies with the pre-operative picture and the surgery done to correct the problem. Your final picture will take time to achieve.

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